Seven parks and green spaces in Cheltenham have once again been honoured among the finest in the country, successfully retaining their coveted Green Flag status for another year.
Sandford Park, Hatherley Park, Montpellier Gardens, Naunton Park, Pittville Park, Springfields Park, and Winston Churchill Memorial Garden are all among the 2,250 recipients of this prestigious UK award. The Green Flag Award celebrates the dedication of teams, volunteers, and partners who maintain these spaces to be welcoming, well-kept, and enjoyable for all visitors.
Notably, Pittville Park has also retained the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, recognising its exemplary management of historic features within the park.
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Cllr Paul Baker, cabinet member for waste, recycling, and green open spaces, praised the achievement, saying, “It’s fantastic news that seven of Cheltenham’s parks have once again earned Green Flag status. This reflects the ongoing dedication of volunteers, friends’ groups, green space teams, and the Ubico grounds maintenance staff, all of whom work tirelessly to uphold such high standards.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for their continued commitment.”
Barbara Leigh, volunteer coordinator for Friends of Pittville, expressed her delight at the park’s dual recognition: “Following the Green Flag ‘mystery visitor’s’ approval, our team is thrilled that Pittville Park retains both its Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards for 2025. This international quality mark is a testament to the collective hard work of Cheltenham Borough Council, Ubico, volunteers, and Friends of Pittville.”
Christopher Veal, volunteer coordinator for Winston Churchill Memorial Garden, added, “We are immensely proud to see our Green Flag status renewed for 2025/26. Our continued collaboration between the council, Ubico, and dedicated volunteers has paid off, and it’s rewarding to have our ongoing investment and efforts recognised.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award scheme manager, highlighted the broader significance of such green spaces: “Congratulations to all involved who have worked diligently to meet the exacting standards of the Green Flag Award. Quality parks make the country healthier and stronger, providing vital green spaces for communities like Cheltenham to enjoy nature. Especially during challenging economic times, these spaces offer free, safe environments for families to connect and experience the physical and mental health benefits of the outdoors.”
Managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, the Green Flag Award sets the benchmark standard for the management of parks and green spaces across the UK and internationally.